Cost of Living in Lansing, IL
Population 28,415 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Lansing can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $169,000 against $71,805 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.8% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Lansing sits roughly 20 miles southeast of Chicago. Median home values run roughly 47% lower than Chicago's $315,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lansing
The median home value in Lansing is $168,500 — 45% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,271/month, 3% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $71,805/year is 4% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Lansing has a cost of living index of 72 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 28% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Lansing, IL?
Lansing has a cost index of 72 (100 = national average). It is 28% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lansing, IL?
The median gross rent in Lansing is $1,271 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lansing?
The median home value in Lansing is $168,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lansing?
The median household income in Lansing is $71,805 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lansing, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lansing is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Lansing, IL affordable?
Yes, Lansing is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 72 — about 28% below the US national average of 100.
Lansing at a Glance
- Population
- 28,415
- Median Income
- $71,805
- Home Value
- $168,500
- Median Rent
- $1,271/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.8%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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